MTX and surgery

[Barrister]

My son takes MTX for psoriasis. He had emergency appendicectomy on Friday night. How long should he wait before restarting MTX?

[earthwitch]

That would be something to ask the doctor - ideally the surgeon should be talking to your rheumatologist about it, but if that doesn't happen, just check with your rheumatology nurse.

[Angela123]

I don't know unfortunately, but I hope he gets well soon. Angela.

[nomoreheels]

I'm sorry to hear that Clemmie but really think this is one for his Surgeon & Rheumy to consult & advise. I do hope he makes a speedy recovery.

[Hidden]

Hi Barrister,

This is a medical question and so unfortunately cannot be answered on this site. As suggested already, this is something for the rheumatology team/surgeon to answer. Hope your son recovers soon without any ill effects.

Best wishes

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[hatshepsut]

Do hope your son is better soon. Best wishes M x

[Barrister]

Thanks everyone. He doesn't have a rheumatologist because MTX is prescribed for his psoriasis. Te surgeon said he could restart it next week but I'm not so sure. Clemmie

[nomoreheels in reply to Barrister]

I'm sorry Clemmie, I thought MTX could only be prescribed by a Specialist, either a Rheumatologist for PsA or Dermatologist in the case of Psoriatis with it being a cytotoxic drug, though GP's do represcribe it but only under the direction of a Specialist. Then I would think whoever prescribed it initially should be the person who's consulted as when he should resume it. I guess if the op was without issues & his scar is healing well then that's why the surgeon is saying he could restart it next week. Like you, I'm unsure & I would have thought that it would be advisable to give everything a chance to settle & ensure the scar tissue is regularly checked for infection before making the decision unless he's consulted with the prescriber?

[hatshepsut]

When I had my knee replacement, I stayed on MTX, only had to stop my biologic. The only time I have ever stopped taking it is when I've had an infection, and been treated with antibiotics. Hope he's progressing well! M x

[Barrister]

Thanks Hatshepsut. My son isn't a child anymore so doesn't always listen to his mum! That's why I wanted to find out what others have been told after surgery etc as I wasn't at the hospital with him. Clemmie

[Barrister]

He was prescribed MTX by his dermatologist so I've told him that he should contact him to ask when he should restart it. Clemmie

[nomoreheels in reply to Barrister]

Think you've done the sensible thing. I'd certainly want to have the ok from his Dermatologist, he knows best surely being the one who prescribed it? A General Surgeon is likely to have performed his appendectomy & so may not be au fait with specialist meds like MTX.

[Hidden]

When I had my hysterectomy I was told by my specialist nurse to carry on taking mtx and didn't miss a dose. That said I hope your son can get some guidance soon off his dermatologist and is on the mend after his op x

[Barrister]

Thanks Paulywoo, he's doing okay, just a bit sore. It was done through keyhole surgery so recovery time is so much quicker these days. Clemmie

[Hidden]

Good to hear he's doing well. Keyhole surgery is amazing, still not the best way to spend your Friday night! x